The drummer in the band that accompanies Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, police confirmed Thursday.
Police say Phillip Nolan, a 43-year-old teacher, has been charged with 5 counts of sexual assault, 5 counts of sexual interference and 5 counts of sexual exploitation, dating back to incidents that occurred between 1998 and 2000. Nolan is a drummer for the band, Herringbone, which has accompanied Harper on lead vocals and keyboard.
Nolan was working as a teacher for grades 7 and 8 with the Ottawa-Carleton District School board at the time of the incidents, police said in a statement.
Police said the investigation began in November, 2013 after a complaint of a sexual assault on a minor.
The PMO reacted to news of the charges in a statement on Thursday.
“We are obviously shocked and disturbed by these serious charges. No allegations of this nature have ever been brought to our attention. Anyone found guilty of these charges should face the full force of the law,” Jason MacDonald, director of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office said in the statement.
“Given that this individual is now facing charges, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”
Nolan’s online profile with the Ontario College of Teachers shows he is a member in good standing and he earned his teaching certificate from Queen’s University in 1994.
According to his bio on the Herringbone website, Nolan is a past recipient of the Arts Educator of the Year award from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Arts Advisory.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ottawa Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or phone Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
